12/06/2010  Shatin  Race 1

On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie fitted to EXCELLENT ELITE was replaced. HEAVENLY POWERS was difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, HEAVENLY POWERS will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. ENERGIZED began awkwardly. TOP SPEED was slow to begin. EXCELLENT ELITE began awkwardly and shortly after the start was hampered after being bumped by SPEEDY which shifted out after being bumped by HEAVENLY POWERS. Passing the 900 Metres, SPICY SHRIMP (Apprentice C Y Ho) was bumped and taken wider by VITALITY CHAMP which at this time shifted away from the heels of SHATIN TREASURE when proving difficult to settle and being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. Apprentice Ho explained that passing the 900 Metres his mount, which was racing somewhat greenly, improved its position to be racing on terms of VITALITY CHAMP, however, at this time VITALITY CHAMP shifted out, resulting in SPICY SHRIMP being taken wider. Apprentice Ho was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have improved his position earlier than he did so as to prevent VITALITY CHAMP from being able to shift away from the fence which would have resulted in SPICY SHRIMP not having to cover extra ground. Passing the 600 Metres, GREAT UNITY was momentarily steadied when crowded for room between SPICY SHRIMP and SPEEDY which shifted out. Passing the 400 Metres, ENERGIZED was steadied when disappointed for running between NAMJONG FIGHTERS and TOP SPEED. Throughout the race, SOLITAIRE travelled wide and without cover. C K Tong (HEAVENLY POWERS) was fined $3,000 for improper use of the whip in that he raised weal marks over the horse`s both flanks. When questioned regarding the improved performance of SHATIN TREASURE, Mr A T Millard said that following the horse`s only other start for his stable at Happy Valley on 26 May 2010, he formed the view that the horse did not see out the 1800 Metres and for this reason he brought it back in distance to 1400 Metres today. He said the front running tactics on SHATIN TREASURE were more suited for the distance of today`s race. A veterinary inspection of EXCELLENT ELITE after the race did not show any significant findings. NAMJONG FIGHTERS, SHATIN TREASURE and GREAT UNITY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SPICY SHRIMP had lost its right front plate.